What do you think of when you hear the word castle? There’s an immediate picture that forms in your mind. Walls made of stone, tall towers, and riches beyond one’s wildest dreams comes to the forefront immediately. However, did you know there are different categories of castles? Luckily, Scotland is home to all of them! The major categories of castles include fortresses/keeps, palaces, and baronial mansions. While each falls into the category of castle, the structure, period built, and intentions behind the builds change the experience and expectations when visiting.
Medieval Fortresses and Keeps
The name gives away the purpose of these castles. Fortresses and keeps were built for the purpose of warfare and clan defense. While normally simple stone structures, these castles became massive strongholds, tower houses, and royal palaces. So, where should you visit to see these pillars of medieval war efforts? We recommend Kilchurn Castle and Caerlaverock Castle.
Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. The powerhouse overlooks the Loch Awe and originally was built in the 1400s to be the base of the Campbells of Glenorchy. It served this purpose for of 150 years. One of the castle’s most interesting features is that it houses the oldest surviving barracks on the British mainland.
Caerlaverock Castle
While the triangular design is unique, Caerlaverock Castle comes out of a medieval fairytale. The castle is surrounded by a moat that can be crossed via drawbridge. It looks exactly like the castle that heroes storm in order to rescue a princess from a dragon! If you want to see an even older castle, you can find ruins of the ‘old castle’ down a short nature trail.
Renaissance Palaces
Renaissance Palaces combine the need for defense with the comforts of grand living. A best of both worlds if you will! They reflect French and continental styles that were favored by the Stewart monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Stirling Palace
Childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, three main enclosures give this castle the size and strength of a stronghold. It was added onto by a string of monarchs. However, the strength does not discount the lavish designs in the Royal Palace. Stirling is considered one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles – iconic.
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace was used as a convenient stopping point between Edinburgh and Stirling Castle. While raised in Stirling Palace, Mary Queen of Scots, and many other monarchs, were born at Linlithgow Palace’s ‘pleasure palace’. Nature is all over the grounds of this castle. Lush greenery and a loch are beautiful sights for visitors who are seeking a peaceful experience.
Scots Baronial Mansions
Better late than never, right? Or is it back and better than ever? Either way, you’d be correct for this category! Scots baronial mansions, while ornamental, grand, and comfortable, are estates that were built or rebuilt in later centuries. Unlike their castle cousins, these estates feature a Gothic Revival style that was more popular in the 19th century.
Balmoral Castle
The Balmoral Castle has been the home of the British Royal Family since 1852. The castle not only hosts the public and visitors. The estate hosts a variety of events that let the public make sure their visit is unique and unforgettable. Shortly, the castle will be starting its annual Christmas events! If events are not in the cards during your visit, you’re still able to see the historic grounds, gardens, and estate.
Culzean Castle
Opulent is an understatement when describing this castle. David Kennedy, a 10th century Earl, was intent of impressing others with his wealth and status. The estate houses 40 building including an ice house and glasshouses filled with fruits. Even the grounds surrounding the castle are meant to boast his means. Guests can explore woods, beaches, a Swan Pond, and more without ever leaving the property. However, his image wouldn’t be complete without also showing strengths. Visitors can see a variety of military elements when walking through the estate.
Edinburgh Castle
There is one castle in Scotland that deserved its own category: Edinburgh Castle. Easily the most famous castle in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle was a royal residence, a military garrison, prison, and fortress throughout its life. It all depends on when you’re talking about the castle. It could easily be called a jack of all trades! It’s easy to see why it’s Scotland’s leading tourist attraction.
There are too many reasons to list why you should see Edinburgh Castle. We have so many! However, a few are the oldest crown jewels in Britain, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and Mons Meg.
St. Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh – built in the 12th century.
Try to be at the castle at 1 p.pm. Everyday, besides Sunday, Christmas, and Good Friday, guests can hear the famous One O’clock Gun fired live.
While castles aren’t the only reason to visit Scotland, they’re some of the most famous reasons. The food, the culture, the drinks, etc. pale in comparison to the popularity of these historical sites. These estates offer views, experiences, and stories that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These structures offer unique perspectives into the lives, trials, and victories lived by people and royalty hundreds of years ago. Stories are held within these stone walls. They transport you to another time where castles were residences, fireplaces were the heart of homes, and wars meant sieging (or attempting to siege) massive stone structures.
So, which type of castle piques your interest?
